The United States of America, just the name brings up images of bustling cities and unending natural beauty that keeps calling out to people all over the world. No wonder the US visa is one of the most requested visas in the world. With its obviously massive size and countless amazing things to see and do, there are many best places to visit in the USA, you simply need to know the right place to look for them. But what about the offbeat places in the USA?
There’s no doubt that when visiting a fabulous country like the USA, the common and the obvious tourist attractions would be crowded, also frequent visitors would be bored of them and so visitors head towards the unique places in the US to visit, the un-crowded and unknown sites of the land. But when it comes to offbeat places in the USA, these are the true gems of the land, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, a special secret just between those who have gone beyond the old treaded paths and dared to explore the unexplored.
1. Valley of Fire, Nevada
Image credit : google
Located close to some of the best national parks in the USA like – Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and the very famous Grand Canyon National Park, the Valley of Fire is one of the most underrated offbeat places in the USA. If you love admiring the bright reddish orange landscape of the Grand Canyon National Park but hate the crowd or you simply wish to set camp and star gaze throughout the night, then skip the well-known national parks and head over to the Valley of Fire.
Location – Valley of Fire State Park, Las Vegas, Nevada.
2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Image credit : google
Once you set foot in the Antelope Canyon, you wouldn’t want to leave it – it is that mystical, magical, and majestic! Created over the years due to soil erosion caused by wind and water, this nature’s masterpiece deserves a special mention in our list of offbeat places in the USA. Many magazines are littered with pictures of this unusual landscape so you may have come across it without even realizing it.
Location – Page, Arizona.
3.Marfa Lights, Texas
Image credit : google
For hundreds of year’s scientists and travel enthusiasts alike have marveled at the beauty of Aurora Borealis. If you are amongst them or simply someone who wishes to experience one of the majestic wonders of nature, then do not skip visiting it when you visit the other offbeat places in the USA. First noticed in the 19th century, these lights have flabbergasted meteorologists since their first appearance. With no source of these lights and the constant change in the color of the lights from red to blue and white, these lights make a regular appearance in the skies of Marfa.
Location – Marfa, Texas.
4. Glass Beach, California
Image credit : google
Sunny skies, bluest ocean water and no sand in toes because Glass Beach is covered in “glass” pieces instead of usual sand. This beach is a beautiful wakeup call from the nature. Years of dumping garbage in the ocean, has caused this beach to be covered in smooth and naturally polished pieces of garbage or “glass” including wood, glass, plastic, etc. As it is one of the protected beaches you can’t take along any souvenirs of your trip from the beach but don’t let that deter you from adding it to your list of offbeat places in the USA to visit.
Location – Fort Bragg, California.
5. Monument Valley, Arizona
Image credit : google
The Monument Valley in Arizona can be considered among the most recognized offbeat places in the USA. It was featured in famous movies like Forrest Gump, The Lone Ranger, and Mission Impossible: II, etc. and is a sacred place of the Native American people. You will have to enter the Navajo Nation Reservation territory to marvel at the Monument Valley and see the behemoth sandstone towers that stood the test of time for thousands of years.
Location – Arizona – Utah Border.
6. Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Image credit : google
Unexplored and untouched, Mendenhall Glacier is the hidden gem of all the offbeat places in the USA. Up to 20 kms long this glacier that is frozen in time will leave you in awe. Mirror lakes, flowing green fields, and waterfalls around – visiting the glacier will truly be an unforgettable experience. What’s more? If you have an adventurous streak you can venture inside the caves below the glacier by kayaking and witness the bluest and brightest ice caves.
Location – Mendenhall Valley, Juneau, Alaska.
7. Eternal Flame, New York
Image credit : google
Hidden behind 35 feet tall waterfall is a small lit flame that is said to be burning for thousands of years. It is truly one of a kind and amongst the most magical offbeat places in the USA and the world, its 100% worth a visit. Believed to be lit by the first Native Americans, this flame has been at the center of mystery and many studies. Scientists have assumed there might be pockets of gas escaping from the cracks in the hard bedrock due to which the flame burns. However, keep a lighter on hand when visiting, as sometimes this “eternal flame” goes off due to heavy winds and flow of water.
Location – Chestnut Ridge Falls, Shale Creek Preserve, New York.
Read also : 7 Macabre Travel Destinations For A Thrilling Experience
Read also : My Current List of Favorite Travel Blogs